Welcome to ObservationCar, the first and foremost Internet discussion group about railroad photography, writing, books, and magazines. Here you can discuss railroad photography (digital and film) and videography; railroading in mainstream media (TV shows, movies, etc.); railfan magazines from the biggest (TRAINS) to regional publications; railroad books; personal and commercial railfan websites; and the railfan hobby "culture," a potpourri of subjects including places to eat on the road, the use of scanners, trip reports, railroad-related music, etc.

Please note: this group is NOT the place to discuss locomotive/train sightings and model railroading.

Strong opinions and a sense of humor are encouraged. There are no sacred cows; anything related to the list is fair game, including the list owner's published work. List members MUST sign their full name to the posts, an ObsCar tradition. Of course, the usual netiquette rules apply: no personal attacks, no posting virus warnings, etc., and anyone who posts commercial spam will be moderated or banned without warning.

List members include photographers Howard Ande, Joel Jensen, and Scott Lothes; magazine editors Steve Barry, Kathi Kube, and Mike Schafer; writers Kevin Scanlon, Fred Frailey, and Charles Freericks; and others who love railroad photography and writing. Some folks come here to learn; most stay to enjoy the debate and discussion. Many members say this is the smartest railroad discussion group on the Internet, something we work hard to maintain. The "ObsCar" occasionally detours up the Off-Topic Branch, but we rejoin the main in a day or two. One list member summed it up best: "ObsCar is like sitting around with your friends, talking about the hobby over pizza and beer." If that sounds like something *you'd* enjoy, join the party! -- Paul D. Schneider

Home page photo: Former Lehigh Valley observation car No. 353 on a Steamtown excursion train in November 2007. Photo by Alex Mayes